Make the Dream: Zimbabwe’s U21 Women Head to Junior World Cup — Sponsorship Appeal

Zimbabwe’s under-21 women’s hockey team (image source)

Zimbabwe’s under-21 women’s hockey team has earned a coveted place at the FIH Junior World Cup in Santiago, Chile, scheduled for 1–13 December 2025. This marks a rare appearance for Zimbabwean hockey on a global stage, offering young athletes an opportunity to compete among the world’s elite. However, despite the historic achievement, the team faces a major hurdle: they urgently require sponsors to cover travel, accommodation, equipment, and tournament logistics.

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) confirmed in June that Zimbabwe will compete in Pool B alongside Argentina, Belgium, and Wales. The expanded 24-team tournament provides a valuable platform for emerging hockey nations, and Zimbabwe’s qualification reflects years of growth in local junior development programmes. For the athletes, it represents a once-in-a-lifetime chance to showcase their skills internationally and build careers in the sport.

Yet the excitement is tempered by financial shortfalls. Sending a 24-member delegation, including players, coaches, and support staff, requires significant funding. Costs include airfares to South America, visa processing, accommodation for the squad for over two weeks, training facilities, match kits, and sports medicine coverage. The Hockey Association of Zimbabwe has announced the squad and formally appealed to partners, corporates, and philanthropists to step forward with support. Contact details have been provided through the association’s official channels.

Sports finance experts note that this challenge is common across African federations. While national bodies often cover selection camps and local preparations, international competition is typically funded by private sponsorships, diaspora contributions, and ad hoc fundraising. For brands, however, investing in women’s sports delivers strong corporate social responsibility benefits — community goodwill, youth empowerment, and positive brand association at both local and global levels. Zimbabwean companies, regional businesses, and multinational firms with local operations are all being encouraged to partner with the team.

Zimbabwe’s hockey history underscores the importance of this opportunity. The nation famously clinched Olympic gold in 1980 and has since participated intermittently in continental and global competitions. Junior hockey has gained momentum through grassroots efforts and school-based development, culminating in this qualification. Ensuring the team travels with full support is not only a matter of competitive readiness but also of safeguarding athlete welfare and sustaining the long-term pipeline of talent.

The appeal to sponsors is clear. Potential contributions could include covering flights and accommodation, supplying kits and medical provisions, funding a dedicated team manager, or underwriting a public fundraising campaign. Diaspora communities are also being asked to mobilize resources to back the squad. The Hockey Association of Zimbabwe has made contact details available: email sbennett@zol.co.zw or phone +263 77 305 3317. Formal sponsor packages and updates are also being shared on the team’s social media channels.

“This is a chance to show the world Zimbabwean talent — what we need now is partners who will back a dream,” the team coach said in a statement released by the Hockey Association.

The players now look to the broader community — brands, philanthropists, and ordinary supporters — to help transform qualification into participation. Without timely backing, Zimbabwe risks missing out on one of its brightest sporting moments in years.

References:

• FIH Junior World Cup 2025 Tournament Page

• Hockey Association of Zimbabwe Facebook Page

• Zimbabwe FIH Member Page